Definition

The aorta is the main artery in the heart. It carries oxygen-rich blood from the heart to the body. Aortic coarctation is the narrowing of the aorta. This slows or blocks blood flow. It is often associated with other heart and vascular conditions. Examples include abnormal heart valves or aneurysms, which can lead to further health problems.

Treatment

Talk with the doctor about the best treatment plan for your child. Treatment depends on your child's age and how severe the condition is.

Treatment for Newborns

Your newborn will need treatment right away. Medications can be used to help blood flow to all parts of the body and improve contraction of the heart. One of the most common surgeries involves removing the narrow section of the aorta and reconnecting the two healthier ends.

Treatment for Children

Your child may need to take other medications to reduce fluid retention. Depending on your child’s condition, the doctor may also recommend surgery. Some of the options include:

Resection of the narrowed area in the aorta (the same type of surgery used in infants)

Subclavian flap aortoplasty—involves using a patch or part of the artery to make the area larger

Prevention

Revision Information

This content is reviewed regularly and is updated when new and relevant evidence is made available. This information is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with questions regarding a medical condition.

Repair of coarctation of the aorta. Children’s Hospital of Wisconsin website. Available at:
http://www.chw.org/medical-care/herma-heart-center/for-medical-professionals/pediatric-heart-surgery/coarctation-of-the-aorta. Accessed June 10, 2015.